Korea Busan Gimhae Light Rail: A Case Study in Urban Rail Development

This article examines the Busan Gimhae Light Rail (BGLR) project, a significant undertaking in South Korea aimed at improving transportation connectivity between Busan and Gimhae, notably Gimhae International Airport. The project’s importance lies not only in its contribution to regional accessibility but also its role as a showcase for domestically developed light rail technology. We will explore the project’s infrastructure, rolling stock, signaling and communication systems, and its potential future implications for urban rail development in Korea and beyond. The analysis will consider the project’s technological choices, economic aspects, and its strategic contribution to the broader transportation network. Ultimately, this study will assess the success of the BGLR project and draw lessons for future similar endeavors, focusing on the integration of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the adoption of advanced railway technologies.

Project Overview and Justification

The Busan Gimhae Light Rail project addressed a critical transportation gap. While Busan possessed an established metro system (operated by the Busan Transportation Corporation), lacking a direct rail link to Gimhae International Airport, approximately 22km west. This necessitated a bus connection, hindering efficient travel. The BGLR aimed to resolve this by providing a rapid transit connection, easing road congestion and boosting regional accessibility. The project, approved in 1992, finally saw construction begin in February 2006, reflecting the complexities inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects.

The decision to utilize a light rail system, rather than extending the existing heavy rail network, was based on cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. While possessing a lower carrying capacity than metro lines, the light rail offered substantial savings in construction and operation, making it a financially viable solution. The project leveraged a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd., acting as the project company. This involved significant government subsidies to supplement private investment.

Infrastructure and System Design

The BGLR comprises a 23.5km line, primarily elevated, connecting Busan’s Sasang station to Samgye Dong station in South Gyeongsang Province. The route includes two major river crossings and 18 stations. The system’s design incorporates steel wheel on steel rail technology, diverging from competing automatic light rail systems such as the Siemens VAL system. Power is supplied via a third rail, with Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH Export Division securing a significant contract for the aluminum alloy conductor rails and related installation.

The choice of steel wheel on steel rail technology likely reflects considerations of cost, maintenance, and familiarity for Korean engineers. While other systems might offer certain advantages, this technology likely presented a more practical option given the context of the project.

Rolling Stock and Operational Aspects

Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, secured the turnkey contract for the system’s rolling stock. This marked the first domestic application of their Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) design. Fifty driverless trains were ordered, designed for 3-minute headways (the interval between train departures) and a 30-minute end-to-end journey time. Hyundai Rotem’s role extends to both supply and maintenance of the rolling stock, showcasing the growth of South Korea’s domestic railway manufacturing capability.

The adoption of driverless trains reflects a commitment to advanced technology and operational efficiency. This choice contributes to lower operational costs and enhances passenger safety and comfort.

Signaling and Communications

Alcatel-Lucent (now Nokia) was engaged by Hyundai Rotem to provide the communication infrastructure for the BGLR. This includes a comprehensive network encompassing various voice and data services, including private automatic branch exchanges (PABX), public address (PA) systems, automatic fare collection (AFC), closed-circuit television (CCTV), and emergency hotlines. The system’s central control center was located in Gimhae, optimizing monitoring and management.

The integration of advanced communication technologies demonstrates a forward-looking approach. This capability not only facilitates efficient operation but also contributes to enhanced passenger safety and security.

Conclusions and Future Implications

The Busan Gimhae Light Rail project successfully connected Busan and Gimhae International Airport, significantly improving regional transportation. The project’s completion demonstrated the capabilities of Korean companies in designing and constructing modern light rail systems. The use of domestic technology, including Hyundai Rotem’s LRVs and Alcatel-Lucent’s communication systems, was a significant achievement, boosting the national railway industry. The project’s success showcases the potential for PPPs in delivering complex infrastructure projects and emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced technologies for improved efficiency and service quality.

However, while the project met its primary objectives, future developments should consider aspects such as capacity expansion to meet increasing passenger demand. Long-term operational and maintenance strategies need continual refinement to ensure sustained service quality. The successful integration of the BGLR into the broader transportation network provides a valuable case study for future light rail projects in Korea and other developing economies. The project’s outcomes contribute to the ongoing evolution of urban rail transit systems, incorporating technological innovations and efficient public-private partnerships. The experience gained from the BGLR, including its technological choices and operational strategies, provides valuable lessons for future similar undertakings. It underscores the importance of meticulous planning, efficient project management, and the integration of advanced technologies for successful large-scale infrastructure development. The project’s success serves as a model for countries aiming to develop efficient and modern public transport systems.

Company Information:

• Busan Transportation Corporation: Operates Busan’s metro system.
• Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd.: The project company responsible for the BGLR.
• Hyundai Rotem: A Hyundai Kia Automotive Group subsidiary, supplying and maintaining the rolling stock.
• Alcatel-Lucent (now Nokia): Provided the signaling and communications infrastructure.
• Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH Export Division: Supplied the aluminum alloy conductor rails.